Fun newcomer to Fiesta line-up
It’s been Britain’s most popular car for more than 10 years; now Ford’s Fiesta has added a Crossover model to the range.
IT’S been Britain’s favourite car for many years; now, presumably to make sure they’ve got all the bases covered, Ford has added a Crossover version to the Fiesta range. It’s called the Fiesta Active.
The move mirrors what has already happened with the Ford KA with the intention of creating a mini SUV styling-wise there’s some extra body kit, particularly the plastic cladding around the wheel arches, the suspension has been toughened up and there’s an increased ride height to give that higher seat position so beloved by many.
Like its siblings, it remains a front-wheel drive car, however, so don’t mistake the Active as something that will stand up to the rigours of serious off-roading.
Comprising three variants – Active 1, Active B&O PLAY and Active X – Fiesta Active offers three selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal and Slippery, while rough-terrain capabilities are enhanced by the adoption of Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Hill Start Assist.
On-road safety is boosted thanks to lane-keeping technology, rear seat belt minder, rear centre headrest, auto headlamps, Ford’s Quickclear heated windscreen for faster getaways on frosty mornings and the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, while passenger comfort aids include electric front and rear windows, rear privacy glass, driver seat height and lumbar adjustment and airconditioning.
Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system enables drivers to control audio and connected smartphones using voice commands, or via the tablet-inspired colour touchscreen, and is compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
The Active B&O PLAY stands out from its siblings both visually and audibly, equipped as it is with a distinctive black roof with black roof rails and matching electrically operated and heated door mirrors, plus a B&O PLAY premium audio system with 360-degree sound and ten speakers.
This model also includes a yellow colour theme and additional features such as cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, a centre console with armrest and illuminated cup holders, plus a 4.2in TFT instrument cluster screen with traffic sign recognition.
Even more equipment is fitted as standard to the Active X, including partial leather upholstery with heated front seats, power-foldable door mirrors with puddle lights, Ford SYNC 3 Navigation system with DAB radio and 8in touchscreen, the Keyfree system with keyless entry and start, and a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors.
The 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol engine is offered with four different power outputs: 85PS, 100PS, 125PS and 140PS, allied to a new six-speed manual gearbox delivering from 105g/km CO2 emissions.
This engine features advanced technologies, including highpressure direct fuel injection, Twin-independent Variable Cam Timing, and an innovative offset crankshaft design for unparalleled three-cylinder refinement.
Alternatively, you can specify Ford’s 85PS 1.5-litre TDCI diesel engine with CO2 from 96g/km and 120PS version.
Auto-start-stop technology is fitted to all engines to improve economy, with Active Grille Shutter for both petrol and diesel engines. A new Eco button for manual transmissions adjusts engine and throttle settings to help drivers save even more fuel when desired.
All models feature, as standard, driver and front passenger airbags, front side impact airbags and front and side rear curtain airbags to provide maximum coverage in the event of an accident, aided by front and rear seat belt pre-tensioners.
An anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution ensures controlled deceleration if heavy braking is required, during which the Fiesta’s hazard lights and brake lights flash automatically to warn following vehicles of the potential emergency.
Electronic Stability Control senses when a vehicle is losing grip and automatically applies a braking pulse to individual wheels, stabilising it.
As you would expect from such a proven, successful, car, the Fiesta Active acquitted itself admirably - it ticks every conceivable box in terms of comfort, refinement, looks, standard features and space. And, yes, it really is fun to drive, too!
Prices start at £18,045 for the Active 1 with the 85PS, 1-litre, engine rising to £22,590 for the Active X 1.5 TDCI. So, the mark-up over the equivalent standard Fiesta, where the range starts at £13,965, can be about £1,600.
My drive was in an Active X model powered by the 125PS, three-cylinder petrol engine, and it performed really well - 0 to 62mph in 10.4 seconds and an average fuel economy figure of 56.5mpg.
But given how well the “normal” Fiesta performs, I’m not sure I was swayed to pay the extra for this “pimped” version.
FORD: www.ford.co.uk